A man has claimed he was "detained" by airport security because he has a stutter.
Marc Winski, an actor from New York City, was flying to Florida when he says he was pulled aside by an agent for additional screening.
The actor, who has 382,000 followers on TikTok, shared his experience online on April 30.
"I got detained at the airport because of stuttering,” he captioned his video, which has garnered about 200,000 views and almost 34,000 likes.
“I was walking through the airport, that’s usual," he said in the clip.
"I was going through TSA. The gate person said, ‘Where you headed?’ I said, ‘I’m going to Florida.’ He said, ‘Are you sure about that? You seem kinda nervous.’ I said, ‘No, I just stutter sometimes.'"
He adds: "He said, ‘I need to take you this way for an extra pat-down.’ Is that discrimination? I’m not sure but it didn’t make my day. Just another day in the life."
Mr Winski uses his platform to spread awareness about stuttering.
Winski told The New York Post in an email Friday: “There are still so many misconceptions about stuttering and I would like more education, awareness, and representation about this topic. It’s OK to stutter and every voice matters.”
Many users shared their support for Mr Winski and described the incident as discriminatory.
One wrote: "Definitely discrimination. I have faced prejudice all my life and I let it run my life because of my speech. Keep spreading awareness."
Another added: "Yes it is! You have a speech condition that’s completely valid and if they singled you out because of it."
One said: "Ya know. Stuttering just keeps you on-screen longer so we can see your beautiful smile. So take your time. We like your smile. Ignore [sic] the jerks."
Another TikTok viewer wrote that his wife speaks for him at airports and border crossings.
Winski responded by saying “it’s important to keep showing stuttering. That agent now knows after I talked to them!”
TSA press secretary R. Carter Langston told The Post that the agency has seen the video and has requested additional information about the incident.
Mr Langston said: "There have been no complaints filed with TSA regarding this incident, and we do not know what airport or when this was alleged to have occurred.
“When more information is available or a complaint is filed, TSA headquarters will launch a review of the incident in question and will not comment on this specific event until the review is completed.
“Depending on the situation, the internal review may lead to additional training or changes to screening processes.
“We take all traveller allegations about our security checkpoint screening processes seriously and are committed to ensuring every traveller is treated respectfully and courteously.
He added: "While at the checkpoint, those travellers who need assistance or have concerns or questions may request to speak with a supervisor or ask for a passenger support specialist."
